During a mini "press conference" after the announcement on ABC last night, war veteran/actor J.R. Martinez, 28, (who experienced severe burns to over 40 percent of his body while serving as a United States Army infantryman in Iraq in 2003) was asked what he hopes fans will take away from his appearance on the show. "No matter what war or battle you are fighting, through positive thinking and a positive attitude you can overcome. ... We are going to push ourselves to go beyond what is possible."

HLN legal analyst Nancy Grace, 51, was asked about the pressure of doing live news vs. the pressure of doing live dancing. "I think it will probably be a lot easier to report on the live news than to be the live news."

And talk show host Ricki Lake, 42, was asked whether her stint years ago doing Hairspray would give her an edge over the other contestants. "Oh come on. You're kidding," said Lake. "I was 8 years old. It was 1988. I was 200 pounds and I was faking it. It was all about the attitude not the steps. I assure you I do not have the edge here."

Co-host Brooke Burke asked Chaz Bono, 42, what he thought of the competition. "I think it's daunting," he said with a smile. GLAAD has issued a statement, praising Bono's participation in the show and calling it "a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are another wonderful part of the fabric of American culture."

ABC had said it was trying to find more A-listers. Does this list fit the bill?

All 12 celebrities will begin training with their professional partners, learning either the cha cha or the Viennese Waltz for the show's two-hour season premiere, Monday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET.

The couple with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes for their performance will be sent home on the results show, Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. ET.

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About Ann Oldenburg

Ann has worn out many stilettos chasing celebs for USA TODAY. She's covered the Oscars, the Emmys, the Golden Globes, and has interviewed stars ranging from Tom Cruise to Rosie O'Donnell. Ann knows entertainment news is best served as a hot dish to friends and she's hoping you'll dig right in. More about Ann